# 12940 - Browning 1910/22
10/30/2007

The top of each plastic grip piece has browning in the mold. Left side of slide has ''Browning Arms Company St Louis Mo & Montreal P.Q.'' with ''Made in Belgium'' below on slide. Left side trigger guard has the number 7 engraved. Right side of trigger guard has markings that are sideways with Star on top over a W over a Lion Symbol, over a PV. The same is marked on the barrel piece visible under the slide with ''Cal 9M/M00'' just under it. the serial number is stamped on the right side of the frame visible just under the slide. I got this gun from my uncle who obtained it when he did some work for the CIA in the middle east years ago. He doesn't know anything about the gun. My question is in trying to nail down the year it was made, Pre/Post World War I, what the markings mean on the side, how much it may be worth (I would never sell it), and where I can get a manual so I can take it apart and clean it (probably for the first time in 20 years, my uncle could never figure it out.) My wife has shot it a couple times, but should I keep shooting with it or just put it in a case. Thanks

Answer:
Todd, the FN Browning 10/22 design was a modification of the earlier model 1910 with a longer 4.5 inch barrel and a longer grip frame which allowed for a slightly bigger magazine with more capacity. The design was sold commercially as well as to military and police in many countries including Yugoslavia, Holland, Greece, Turkey, Romania, France, Denmark, Germany, and later West Germany.

The markings that you asking about are various factory assembly numbers and Belgian proof marks. The lion over 'PV' proof mark has been used on Belgian made pistols to indicate that the pistol passed smokeless powder tests since 1903. The lion represents the Belgian state symbol and 'PV' stands for 'Pouder Vive' (live or smokeless powder).

Finding dates of manufacture for Browning pistols is sometimes problematic. Your slide markings 'Browning Arms Company St Louis Mo & Montreal P.Q.' give me a place to start. Browning Arms of Canada was created in 1958 so only serial numbers for pistols manufactured after that need to be considered. This is fortunate because serial number data for earlier pistols is often impossible to find. The serial number data for even some of the more modern pistols is a little incomplete but Browning company estimates of production dates for .380 Semi-Automatic pistols of this vintage place your pistol at about 1968.

The 'NRA Guide to Firearms Assembly' is the best place to find instructions on how to disassemble your pistol. Copies of the book can be obtained online at the NRA (National Rifle Association) http://www.nra.org/home.aspx web site or you might be able to find one at a local library.

As for the value of your pistol, I was a little surprised at the prices that are listed in the blue book, they range from $115 to $285 depending on condition. I think that is a little low. I think that a really nice pistol in excellent condition, should bring as much as $450. Marc

# 12981 - Victory Model DOM
10/30/2007
Kaiser, Lahore, Pakistan

US Patents - Feb 6 . 06, Sep 14 . 09, Dec 29 - 14 What is the most likely year of manufacture of this S& W Victory Model (aka British 38/200 Service Revolver)?

Answer:
Kaiser, in 1940 the British Government contracted with Smith and Wesson for a large order of their Military and Police model revolvers. The British contract specified that their revolvers were to be chambered in the less powerful and shorter, 38 Smith and Wesson cartridge, rather than the standard 38 Special caliber that these revolvers usually came chambered in. When the U.S. entered the war, they also contracted for deliveries of the same revolver, in both 38 Special and 38 S&W calibers. Smith and Wesson renamed the revolvers that they manufactured for these war time military contracts, the "Victory Model", and they added the letter V to all Victory Model serial numbers.

Victory Model revolvers manufactured before 12/04/41 have a bright blue finish, revolvers manufactured form 12/04/41 to 04/10/42 have a brushed blue finish and revolvers manufactured after 04/10/42 are Parkerized. My references indicate that Victory Model production ended on 8/27/45 at serial number VS811119. Marc

# 12841 - Spencer Rifle With Octagon Barrel
10/30/2007

I have a Spencer rifle with a octagon barrel, all I've seen from the Civil War is all round barrels carbine and rifle. Any information would be helpful. Thank you

Answer:
Sir- Many Spencers were privately converted to sporters after being sold as surplus, so it is probably one of those. Spencer did make some sporting rifles from scratch, but you would need to compare the details with those shown in Roy Marcot's book on Spencers to be sure of what you have. John Spangler

# 12840 - Ishapore 2A Or 2A1 Rifles
10/27/2007
Stuart

I received a rifle as a gift - I am simply trying to find info about it- history of the weapon, value, anything really. I will never sell it but would like to know about it. It is an Ishapore (RFI)2A/2A1 7.62X51 NATO, made in 1966. Serial number is E8421. Any help would be appreciated or info on where I can find out about it. Thank you so much in advance!

Answer:
Stuart- Ishapore is an Indian Arsenal, and the 2A or 2A1 was the last of the Lee Enfield bolt action rifle designs which date back to about 1888 used and made throughout the British empire. The basic design was by James P. Lee, an American.

The Indians made these with improved steels over the earlier .303 caliber versions, but they were already obsolete as the "assault rifle" designs such as the FN-FAL were in use nearly everywhere else. These are nice collector item, and there are a number of other Ishapore made arms if you wanted to explore that collecting niche. Google Lee Enfield History and you will probably find a lot more about this subject. John Spangler

# 12838 - AETNA Suicide Special Revolver
10/27/2007
Gary

HELP! I found this pistol in the eaves of my attic. It was with some magazines dated 1916. It's about 7\" long. I took the grips off and it has \"704\" in handwriting scratched into both of them. On the very top of the pistol it has stamped what appears to be \"ATNA 2 1/2\" but it is kind of hard to tell. There is one notch carved out of the right pistol grip. Do you have any idea what kind of gun this is? I've attached a picture. I'm thinking of soaking it in rust remover to clean it up a little and get everything moving again. Good idea?

Answer:
Gary- The Aetna 2 1/2 was a small "suicide special" type pocket pistol made circa 1870-1890. I am not sure if it was .32 or .38 caliber or if rimfire or centerfire, but value and history are about the same for all of them. These were commonly carried as self defense guns, or kept for protection at home or work. The buyers were mainly folks unable (or unwilling) to afford the much higher prices of Colt or S&W pistols. Collector value in good condition today is in the $35-75 range and collectors are seldom interested unless they are in excellent condition.

Cleaning it up with rust remover probably would not be a good idea. The most I would do would be to soak it with WD-40 and rub lightly with some fine (000 or 0000) steel wool to remove rust. Any harsh working will remove any trace of the original finish, probably a thin nickel plating. It will look far better "rusty and old" than all cleaned up.

This is a nice item to put in a frame with the magazines as a conversation piece. There must be an interesting criminal justice story in there somewhere. John Spangler

# 12990 - Luger Identification
10/27/2007
George, Greensboro, N.C. USA

Has 95 stamped on several places. On top strap has S/42. On barrel is stamped 1937. There is no manufactures name on it? I am going to sell this handgun. I have had it for years. Can you give me any information on it's history?

Answer:

George, it sounds like your pistol is a Luger because S/42 is a WW-II German ordnance code that was assigned to Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorff am Neckar, Germany that is often seen on Lugers. The 37 marking is the date of manufacture (1937). S/42 Lugers with chambers dated from 1936 to 1940 are one of the most frequently encountered of all WWII military issue Lugers. Your Luger should also have the following markings:

The serial number:

• Forward left side of the receiver.
• Upper front of the frame.
• Beneath the rear of the barrel.
• Base of the magazine.
• The last two digits on most of the small parts.

S/42 on the forward toggle.

The four digit year of manufacture on the receiver above the chamber.

The word GELADEN, meaning loaded on the left side of the extractor, this shows when a cartridge is in the chamber.

The bore size in millimeters stamped beneath the rear of the barrel (8.80, 8.81, 8.82, 8.83, or 8.84).

The military acceptance stamp eagle over 63 or eagle over 655 stamped twice on the forward right side of the receiver, once on the top left side of the barrel one half inch from the receiver, and once on the base of the magazine.

Military test proof eagle over swastika stamped on the forward right side of the receiver, on the left side of the breech block, and on the rear right side of the barrel.

Values for S/42 Lugers range from around $500 to over $2000 depending on condition, matching numbers and accessories. Send us an e-mail via the following link, http://oldguns.net/email/ we would be interested in purchasing. Marc

# 12837 - Identifying Antique German Target Rifle
10/23/2007
Larry

I am trying to ID a rifle that my father brought back as a trophy from WWII. It has been partially ID'd as a pre-WWI German target rifle. It is a single shot, has an octagonal barrel, drop-block and raised rear sight, although one gent told us that there is a rear wheel missing that has a number of apertures. He also stated that the caliber was likely .3182. The only marking that I can find on the barrel is "schutzen" or something close to that. The stock is hand-carved and quite ornate. Although there are no straps, there are several points where one would attach for target shooting. Thanks in advance for anything you might be able to tell me.

Answer:
Larry- The German Schuetzen rifles were all virtually hand made, and are usually very ornate. Specialists can probably break them down into categories, but a few people collect that field, and a few people shoot these in the U.S.

It is impossible to determine the caliber without doing a chamber casting and measuring it to find out which obscure German caliber it was, and 90% of the time, it is no longer possible to get ammo for them and difficult to even find the tools to hand load some. The missing rear sight is a major problem as the rifle is basically useless without it, and thy are not a standard item that is easily replaced, as once again each was virtually hand made for a specific rifle. I usually see these at gun shows prices from $500 up to a few thousand depending on completeness, caliber, maker name, and mostly the overall condition and quality of the workmanship and decoration. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12946 - Winchester Model 43
10/23/2007
Vic Oakhurst, Ca

This is a lever action Would like of know year made

Answer:
Vic, in it's time, the Winchester Model 43 was known as the Poor Man's Model 70. Winchester started development of the Model 43 in 1944 and the first rifles were available in 1949. Rifles had a 24 inch tapered barrel and often came equipped with a Lyman No. 57A Vernier rear sight. The stock was a plain pistol grip type with checkered pistol grip and forend. Winchester manufactured Approximately 62,617 rifles between the introduction of the model in 1949 and when the model was discontinued in 1957 . Blue book prices range between $125 and $725 depending on condition. There is a premium for rare calibers including .32-20 WCF, .25-20 WCF, and .218 Bee. Add 40% for the deluxe model but subtract 60% for early rifles that do not have receivers that are factory drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Marc

# 12966 - Winchester Big Bore
10/23/2007
Roger, Sharpsburg, Kentucky

The only number on this rifle is one that begins with BB. Is this for ''Big Bore'' and if so, how do I find out when it was manufactured? Thanks

Answer:
Roger, My references do not include serial number information on the Big Bore rifle line, but I can narrow down the date of manufacture a little for you. If I remember correctly all big bore serial numbers did start with 'BB'. Winchester introduced their Big Bore rifles in 1983, average weight was about 6.5 pounds and they came equipped with an angled ejection port for easier scope mounting, checkered walnut Monte Carlo stock, recoil pad, 20 inch barrel, sling swivels, and a magazine that would hold 6 shots. Over the years, Big Bore Model 94 rifles were offered in several different calibers including .307 Winchester, .356 Winchester, .375 Winchester and .444 Marlin. The .375 Winchester chambering option was discontinued in 1987 so your rifle was manufactured between 1983 and 1987. Marc

# 12836 - Colt Police Positive used by the British in WW2
10/20/2007

The right side of the barrel has been marked as follows: NP, man with scepter, 38'' 1.15' 4 TONS. There are crown over CP or GP behind every flute on the cylinder. There is a triangle with vp inside it on the left side (front)of the trigger guard. There is a Y marked on the left side (rear) of the trigger guard. There are crown over CP or GP on the left and right sides of the frame. I presume this is a lend lease, London proofed revolver. What do the markings mean? Where would it have been used? How did it get back to the U.S.?

Answer:
Bob- Although often called the Police Positive model, I believe that your pistol is actually the "police Positive Special" model which has the longer cylinder capable of being chambered for the .38 special length cartridges, although offered in a variety of calibers. The serial numbers/dates differ on the two models. Your serial number indicates production sometime in 1938 (based on Wilson's data) but guns with numbers in the 460,000 range were being delivered on U.S. contracts in early 1941 (based on Charles Pate's "U.S. Handguns of World War II" research), so I believe the actual date of manufacture is probably 1940.

The British Purchasing Commission (BPC) began their operations in 1940 which was a "cash and carry" operation. I believe that your gun was among those procured by the BPC in 1940-41. Pate's book documents about 274 nickel finished Police Positives as procured by the BPC in May 1940, with various barrel lengths as well as a variety of other police positive models/barrel lengths and many other makes and models.

Later the "Lend Lease" (LL) program was adopted to supply additional arms to the British and other Allies. Both BPC and LL procured items went to a variety of users- military, police, homeguard, merchant ship crews, plant security guards, etc. The markings applied varied greatly according to the original source, the end user and over time as policies changed.

Absent any specific military marks (broad arrow, RAF, etc) it would be safe to assume that BPC or LL arms went to one of the less glamorous users, or quite possibly were held in reserve and never issued at all. Since these often required ammunition that was non-standard in the British system, their issue and usage was generally delayed or avoided whenever possible.

The triangle with VP is a Colt proof mark applied at the time of manufacture. The other markings described are post-1955 London proof marks, applied when the gun was exported from the UK, as required by their laws. Large numbers of WW2 surplus arms, including those obtained by the BPC and LL were sold off to surplus dealers in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and gun magazines of the periods were filled with ads for them. Sam Cummings' Interarmco of Alexandria, VA trading as "Ye Olde Hunter" usually had a two page ad full of these sorts of things as well as other surplus treasures scraped up from sources around the world.

I highly recommend you get a copy of Pate's book which will give an excellent feel for the wide variety of U.S. military and secondary martial arms and those supplied to allies. John Spangler

# 12834 - .22 BB Cap Ammunition
10/20/2007
Bob

I recently found round a tin can of 100 BB cap 22 rimfire cartridges distributed by EIG CUTLERY MIAMI 52, FLORIDA, made in Czechoslovakia. Any idea what they are worth I can find nothing about them. The back of the cartridge mark is 3 diamonds with “S B” if that helps any.

Answer:
Bob- The use of a "zone" instead of a ZIP code indicates that these date prior to about 1962 when ZIP codes were adopted.

.22 BB comes from the original term “Bulleted Breech cap”. The .22 BB caps are basically .22 short cases with only the primer (no powder) to propel the bullet out of the barrel at very low velocity. These can also be used in some of the older early .22 caliber guns not safe to shoot with modern smokeless powder ammo.

EIG was an importer of very cheaply made guns in the 1960s and I think this is probably an early part of their business. SB is probably the well known Sellier & Beloit, a Yugoslavian ammo maker who does a lot for export and has facilities in several countries.

Value for the box is probably modest- maybe something like $5-10 to a serious collector, but most people would have no interest at all. John Spangler

# 12967 - Red Crown Shootout Revolver
10/20/2007
Jim, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Hello: This Colt Police Positive was owned by one of the lawmen who participated at the Red Crown shootout with Bonnie and Clyde Barrow on July 19, 1933, near Platte City, Missouri. The family would like to know if this could be the handgun their grandfather used that night. From the Serial Number can you tell us the date of manufacture? Thanks for any help you can give us?

Answer:
Jim, an interesting question. A few months ago, I watched a documentary in which they were trying to trace some bullets to the shootout that put an end to the career of John Dillinger at the Biograph Theater in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago on July 22, 1934. If I remember correctly, the task of identifying the bullets was made a little easier because records, evidence and firearms that were used were available for examination.

My references indicate that your revolver was manufactured in 1922 so it is possible that it participated in a shootout with Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in July of 1933. On the other hand, your grandfather could have been using a different firearm at that incident, he could have obtained this revolver years after. The only way to know for sure if the revolver was used at Red Crown is if you can find some written documentation, or if the revolver can be traced to some evidence from the shootout if any still exists. Let me know if you find something, I always like to hear about firearms with ties to historical events. Marc

# 12961 - Buccaneer Revolver
10/16/2007
Dena, Woodstock, Ohio

Hy Hunter Made in Germany Hollywood, CA Buccaneer Model What can you tell me about this gun? I was given 2 of these in very good shape from an elderly man I use to work for. I can't find out any information on this particular model. Anything or any links would be helpful, please dena6559@hotmail.com

Answer:
Dena, Hy Hunter Firearms Company, Inc. had offices in Hollywood and Burbank, California. During the 1960s. The company imported and distributed a wide variety of inexpensive West German manufactured firearms including the Frontier Six Shooter, Western style single-action revolvers manufactured by Rohm, the Detective and Chicago Cub, several other models of low quality West German .22 pocket revolvers, and the Maxim, Militar, Panzer, Stingray, and Stuka pistols, also manufactured by Rohm. There is little or no interest in this type of firearm, values usually fall in the $100 or less range. Marc

# 12978 - What's it worth?
10/16/2007
Canada

Whats it worth?

Answer:
Canada, value is determined by the price that an interested but not desperate buyer would be willing to pay and an interested but not desperate seller would be willing to accept on the open market assuming a reasonable period of time for an agreement to arise.

In an effort to lower my rate of indignation and indigestion, I have not been paying much attention to politics in the liberal Peoples Republic of Kanada. Does big brother government even allow you to possess this kind of evil device any more? If not value is nothing.

If you are trying to find prices for firearms located inside the USA, I suggest that you check our catalogs and compare your carbine to similar carbines that we are offering for sale there. Marc

# 12969 - Cartridge Ident
10/16/2007
Jim, Amman, Jordan

Head Stamp Dated 1831, Includes Letters, E At 9 O'clock, R At 12 O'clock, Greek Sigma At 3 O'clock Cartridge found in desert in Jordan, neck ruptured as though it malfunctioned upon firing. R head stamp may be overstamped with a c also. Any idea on type weapons used in and country of origin. I know this is probably a tough one.

Answer:
Jim- I cannot make an ID from the info provided. I suspect it is a round made during the pre-WW2 era. Given the constant strife inthe mideast throughout the 20th century, this could have been from just about anywhere and used by just about anyone over a span of many decades. If you can send a photo of the side of the case and also one showing the headstamp markings, and the overall length of the case (preferably in mm) I will try to figure out what it is. John

# 12833 - Remington (Maynard) 1853 Conv. Of M1816 Muskets
10/13/2007
Martin

I have a musket that sat over my grandmother's fireplace for many years. It says on it U.S. 1853 behind the hammer and what looks like " Remington, Herkimer, N.Y." in front of the hammer. Can you give me a sense of its value or where I might look to find this out? Thank you.

Answer:
Martin- Your musket is a U.S. Model 1816 flintlock .69 caliber smoothbore that was modernized in 1853-1855 by converting them to percussion with new locks made by Remington. Some were rifled at the time of conversion, and others were not. The actual work was done at Frankford Arsenal (called Schuylkill Arsenal at the time) near Philadelphia. The earliest locks made by Remington used the Herkimer address, and the later ones were marked with Ilion, which became Remington's long term home, the next village over from Herkimer.

Most of these muskets were issued for use in the Civil War. These were made with 42 inch barrels held with three barrel bands. I see them at gun shows in this configuration priced in the range of $400-1800 depending on condition. If the barrel and/or stock has been shortened the value will be much less. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12832 - Birmingham Gunmakers in My Family History
10/13/2007
Susan

I can see you are busy with many people visiting your excellent site, but I would really appreciate a reply? My husband's ancestor was a Thomas Chrsitie Allamby, a gunmaker. He was born in Whitechapel to another Thomas Allamby, also a gunmaker. In the 1851 census he is a "gun polisher" in Birmingham, and then around 1854 he left Britain for India, settling in Madras. I would be really grateful if you could tell me a little about gunmaking in the Whitechapel area of London and in Birmingham at this time. Also, am I right in thinking that his decision to go to India was probably linked to the business opportunity of selling the new Enfields to the East India Company?

If you could give me any advice, or pointers, I would be ever so grateful - and if I find out anything about the gun trade in India in the mid nineteenth century that could help you with your site, I would be more than willing to share it. Many thanks for your time,

Answer:
Susan- I regret that I can add little to what you already know.

As far as the gun making trade in London and Birmingham, think of it as analogous to Detroit in the 1940s-60s. That is where they made cars/guns, and nearly everyone there was involved either directly or indirectly in some aspect of the business. The gun making field encompasses a brad range of skills, with some men mastering all of them and able to make complete arms, and other men specializing in various skills (barrel making, stock making, lock making, engraving, finishing, spring makers, etc.) A polisher would normally be involved in taking a basically completed gun and doing the final detailed clean up and preparation for delivery. This could be limited to either the wood parts or the metal parts, and if the latter may include the blue, brown, or color case hardened finishes. The exact job description of the employer and the skills of the employee would dictate what tasks were performed.

I think that the British East India Company (EIC) did most of their contracting with the Birmingham "trade" rather than by local purchases in the colonies. However, there were eventually "India Pattern" arms made in India (although I do not know the geographic location). I don't know if these were for EIC needs, or perhaps directly for the local government leaders/private armies.

I believe that several English gun makers had branch offices in Calcutta and Madras mainly to cater to deployed English officers and bureaucrats. There is a multi-volume set of books that cover the British East India Company gun trade, but I do not know the exact title or author to help you track it down. You will probably have to get a copy on interlibrary loan, as I recently heard it was out of print and the last set that changed hands

reportedly brought several thousand dollars. It may or may not prove to be very helpful to your research, but it may provide lots of background and perhaps references that would be more helpful. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12965 - Baby Hammerless 32
10/13/2007
Will, Collierville, TN, USA

It has pearl type original grips, nickel plated, 5 shot 32 caliber. I have looked for info on this gun and I did find a few for sale online but they were all 22 caliber. My granddad ordered this gun out of a catalog many years ago, after his death we found it in a paper bag in the closet but have no info on the gun. I'm not sure what it is since all the ones I have seen like it are 22 but this one is a 32 caliber.

Answer:
Will, my references indicate that Baby Hammerless was a name given in general to "Saturday Night / Suicide - Special" type revolvers manufactured by Henry M. Kolb of Philadelphia form 1892 to about 1930. Most baby hammerless revolvers were 5 shot models chambered in .22 short caliber with a folding trigger and a concealed hammer.

Several models of Baby Hammerless revolvers were produced including the models 1910, 1918, 1921 and 1924. The model 1910 was offered in .32 as well as .22 short caliber. In about 1930, Kolb became R. F. Sedgeley & Co.

There is not much collector interest in this type of firearm. Values for Baby Hammerless revolvers usually fall in the $75.00 range, I don't think that the caliber will make much difference. Marc

# 12948 - Meridian Arms
10/9/2007
Bill , Joliet, IL

Meridian arms CT. 1913 This rifle is a pump with a tubular magazine. The receiver splits in two for cleaning. The stock has metal but plate. The barrel and stock are good condition. Could you please give me some idea of value and history!!

Answer:
Bill, Meridian Arms manufactured firearms specifically for sales by Sears Roebuck from about 1908 to 1916. In 1916 the plant was sold to New England Westinghouse who made 7.62 Mosin Nagant rifles for the Russians. New England Westinghouse also manufactured some arms for the US after we entered WWI in 1917. The plant was later sold to Colt who used the old Meridian facilities to produce the Model 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle in the closing days of WW1. Marc

# 12951 - Remington Manufacture Date
10/9/2007
Andrew, Front Royal, VA

My dad gave this gun to me as a youngster and I was trying to find a roundabout production date on it. I've had it since 78 or 79, but he bought it prior to that date by far. Thanks in advance for any help you may provide.

Answer:
Andrew, check the OldGuns.net date of manufacture link for Remington firearms. It is on the left hand menu a little more than half of the way to the bottom. Good luck - Marc

# 12831 - Spencer Repeating Carbine History
10/9/2007
John

I have a Spencer carbine serial number 11483 with the stock marked T Troop 1st Cavalry. I'm looking for historical information for not only this weapon, but the troop it was assigned to. The carbine also has the markings EAW and DAT on the stock. Might these be inspectors marks?

Answer:
John- There is no documented history on that serial number. Cavalry organization did not include a "T" troop, so I have a suspicion that the markings may not be authentic. The 1st US cavalry never marked their weapons (at least as far as I know) per regulations. However, it is possible that a state "1st Cavalry" may have marked them, but there is no indication of what state. You did not state if this is a Model 1860, M1865 or later model, all of which would narrow the possible range of units as possible matches.

If the EAW and DAT are about 3/16" or 1/4" high enclosed in a small rectangle or similar, they would be standard inspector marks or cartouches. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12845 - Pedersen Device For M1903 Springfield
10/6/2007
Andy

I am looking for a device I can't remember what it is called but it replaced the standard bolt on a Springfield M1903 to make it semi-automatic. It still used .30 caliber rounds but the casing was shorter about pistol size. I know they don't make the ammunition for it anymore. I am trying to find both the device and some ammo. Any help would be great even just the name of the device would help. Thank You

Answer:
Andy- You are thinking of the "Pedersen Device". About 65,000 were made in 1918-1919, to be used with the approximately 100,000 M1903 Mark I rifles made about the same time. They were never used in combat, and around 1931 it was decided that they really did not have much practical military value and they were all ordered to be destroyed. Reportedly this was to eliminate the cost of storing them in the depths of the depression when the Army was desperate to cut costs. Most advanced collectors believe that no more than 50 escaped destruction, and perhaps another dozen or two were put together from damaged parts salvaged from the areas where the devices were burned.

An excellent history is available at http://www.odcmp.com/Services/Rifles/pipsqueak_pistol.htm and they have been written up at various times in Guns Magazine, Gun Report, and in books by Brophy, Campbell, Canfield and probably others. They appear on the market from time to time, and I have heard of auction prices in the last few years in the range of $17,000 to $45,000, usually with a rifle and a few accessories. I know the [lucky!] owners of at least 5 or 6 examples outside of museums.

I have heard of two examples that turned up at unexpected locations and the original buyers got them for a very modest price (at a yard sale and at a tiny gun show)! John Spangler

# 12846 - Blue Stripe Or Two Tone Finish On Magazines
10/6/2007
Nathan

Sorry to bother you but I'm trying to find a good explanation of the blue stripe you sometimes see on magazines. What exactly does it mean? I'd be grateful if you could enlighten me.

Answer:
Nathan- I assume you are asking about the magazines found in some Colt semi-auto pistols where most of the magazine is blued and the remainder (at the feed end) is not blue but is a dull gray or silvery color. That comes from the heat treating process used to treat the feed lips so they will retain their shape, and this is only done to the upper part of the magazine, and there fore the blue finish does not appear the same on the entire magazine. I forget the specific details as to the treatment being done before or after the bluing process so that it either removes the blue (if blued first) or prevents the blue from acting on the metal (if heat treated first).

I believe that this applies to some other magazines found with similar differences in colors. John Spangler

# 12945 - This Is The Place
10/6/2007
Ken

Do you know where I could buy a magazine for this gun, which is in excellent condition?

Answer:
Ken, send me an e-mail, I will be happy to set you up with one or more. Marc

# 12956 - CMC Black Powder Pistol.
10/6/2007
Steve

This is a percussion pistol with a 4'' twist off barrel possibly a pocket pistol or a dueling pistol. It has two distinctive 1/4'' square indentions in the top and bottom of the barrel about 1/4'' from each side. What or who made it and if it is a replica or original and if so what is it worth?? {my girl friend bought it for me for my birth day for $50.00}

Answer:
Steve, I believe that CMC is a modern producer of black powder kit guns. $25 to $50 would be about the right price to pay for one. Marc

# 12910 - FN Pistol - Not Enough Information
10/2/2007
Mel, Alexandria, VA

Fabrique nationale d'armes de guerre herstal belgique 59976 7.65 .Mm 32 caliber When was this gun manufactured and was it used by the Germans? My Uncle gave this gun to me and I don't have a clue as to how he got it or where he got, except that he was in WWII in Europe. It has a matching holster as well.

Answer:
Mel, with the information that you provided, it is impossible for me to know for sure even what model you have, let alone if your pistol was used by the Germans. The most common FN German military issue pistol in 7.65 was the Model 1922. German military FN 1922 pistols have the following markings:

Military Acceptance Stamp (eagle over WaA103, eagle over WaA140 or eagle over WaA613):

• Stamped Two or three times on the left side of the slide and/or frame.
• Sometimes stamped on the upper left side of the trigger guard.
• Stamped once or twice on the left side of the chamber (barrel).

Military test proof (eagle over swastika in a circle):

• Left side of the slide.
• Upper left side of the frame above the trigger.
• Right side of the chamber (barrel).

Slide marking:

FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE (left side)

Hope that this helps. Marc

# 12944 - This Gun Belonged To A German Officer
10/2/2007

I am looking into purchasing this firearm. I was told it belonged to a German officer. I am trying to find out if this is true and how I would verify this. I am also looking for a approx value so I know what to offer. All the serial numbers match. There is also a holster with a Nazi marking that comes with it.

Answer:

Jonathan, I looked up a list of the 10 most common falsehoods on the internet, they include:

#10 "Your table will be ready in a minute."
#9 "One size fits all."
#8 "This will hurt me more than it hurts you."
#7 "I'm sorry I'm late. I got stuck in traffic."
#6 "The check is in the mail."
#5 "This offer is limited to the first 50 people who call in."
#4 "It's not the money. It's the principle of the thing."
#3 "I just need five minutes of your time."
#2 "I'll start my diet tomorrow."
#1 "I'm from the IRS and I'm here to help you."

I think that "this gun belonged to a German officer" should be added to the list as number 11. I hear the German officer story just about every time I purchase an old German WWII handgun. I hear it so often that I think that handguns that did not come from a German officer are much more scarce than ones that did. There is no way to verify the history of WWII German military firearms because all records were destroyed.

Value for a Spreewerk P.38 pistols can range from about $350 to a little over $650 depending on condition. If the holster is military issue (not commercial), in the original configuration and has the correct German military markings add $100 to $250 depending on condition. Many of the old German military holsters have been cut down, modified, or they have had someone's initials carved into them. If this the case, value for the holster will be in the $50 or less range. Marc

# 12830 - WWI Rifles
10/2/2007
Gary

My Dad was in the 82nd Division in World War 1. Is there any way to find out which rifle he was issued, Either the Springfield 1903 or the M1917 Eddystone or Winchester. I want to make a display on my wall honoring my Dads WW1 War Record. Thanks.

Answer:
Gary- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. There is a book on the 82nd Division's history in WW1 that may have some photos that would show what they had. I don't recall the name, but it popped up on a google search for "82nd Division 1918."

If you can find out what regiment he was in within the 82nd Division, you may have better luck finding photos of that outfit. Try Google image search. I did not find any useful ones when searching images for the 82nd Division.

My bet would be that they had M1917 "Enfields" but exact maker is probably not known, and sort of irrelevant as they all look the same. Hope that helps. John Spangler